Oda Shocks Fans: Scopper Gaban’s Haki Rivals Shanks in One Piece’s Elbaf Arc

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This article contains spoilers for the One Piece manga.

Summary

  • Shanks is the strongest Haki user.
  • Scopper Gaban can rival Shanks in Haki.
  • Gaban showed extraordinary mastery over Haki.

Fans of “One Piece” know that two primary power sources exist within the series: Devil Fruits and Haki. While a character may navigate the “One Piece” narrative effectively without higher-tier fruits, Haki is indispensable, particularly in the New World when facing off against stronger adversaries. Currently, Shanks is the most proficient user of Haki in the story, but a newcomer from Elbaf could potentially match his skills.

Shanks is A Powerful Haki User

Probably The Strongest Haki User At The Moment

In simpler terms, among the iconic pirate groups in One Piece, Shanks remains as the last of the original Yonko. The others, such as Big Mom, Kaido, and Whitebeard, have all experienced some sort of change or downfall.

Unlike other Yonko, Shanks lacks a Devil Fruit, yet he doesn’t seem to require one. His expertise in Haki, however, sets him apart. In fact, it’s widely believed that he might be the most powerful Haki user within the series, a point emphasized frequently by Oda.

In the One Piece story, there may be no one else with Haki potentially surpassing him, except perhaps Joy Boy, an earlier incarnation of Nika whose Haki was so powerful it sent the Five Elders fleeing all the way back to Marijoa and even made Imu shudder. However, in the Elbaf arc, a new character has displayed their own impressive use of Haki, which could potentially match that of Shanks.

Scopper Gaban Can Rival Shanks in Haki

Gaban Can Counter Immortality With Haki

In my opinion, I’m talking about Scopper Gaban, a formidable figure whose strength could rival many in the art of Haki, particularly during his prime years. When it comes to left-handed combat using this skill, he’s a force to be reckoned with!

Gaban isn’t just an ordinary pirate; rather, he was the trusted right-hand man to the deceased Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Even in his advanced years, his abilities clearly demonstrate that he’s no ordinary being, but a formidable force to be reckoned with.

See, Ripley? Our little boy sure is something! — Gaban to Ripley

It’s clear that Gaban possesses a remarkable skill with Haki, though it hasn’t been officially verified, it seems undeniable that Gaban is proficient in using Conqueror’s Haki. Given his status as the left hand of the Pirate King, it would be surprising if he couldn’t wield such power.

In the latest One Piece chapter, Gaban demonstrated an extraordinary ability reminiscent of Shanks’ prowess, particularly in relation to Haki. This incredible feat, so far only replicated by Joy Boy, involved Gaban severing Saint Sommers’ arm and preventing it from regenerating – a feat that theoretically should be impossible against the immortal Holy Knights. Fans are left wondering if this was indeed a display of Haki at work.

I won’t let them do this. —Scopper Gaban

In the Elbaf arc, Oda has grand schemes for Gaban, and this is just the beginning. It’s expected that Gaban will impart more knowledge about Haki to the Straw Hat Pirates, and Luffy’s proficiency in it will undoubtedly grow, allowing him to match or even exceed Shanks in mastery of Haki.

Where to Read One Piece?

Available on Manga Plus

In exactly a week, we’ll have the next chapter of One Piece (Chapter 1149)! As always, it will be published on Sunday. For readers in Japan, the chapter will be released at midnight on Monday (JST). But for most international fans, you can expect to read it on May 11th. The official release date worldwide is set for May 25, 2025. Excitingly, you can enjoy this chapter for free on Manga Plus!

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2025-05-21 20:06